Lance Santino has an educational background in clinical psychology and physiology. He integrates science, theory, and application into his assessment and treatment of fear, anxiety, and phobias in dogs. He has been immersed in human and animal behavior since he was involuntarily attacked at 11 yrs old by an e-collar, Dogo Argentino that escaped his yard and displayed dangerously unwanted behaviors.
As an aggressive dog assessor today, Lance understands that the Dogo’s involuntarily responses to environmental stimuli were driven by instinctive mechanisms and electric stimulation of behavioral suppression and redirected aggression. The breed was not the predictor. As a matter of fact, the breed is never the predictor, because any dog can exhibit aggressive behaviors. It was the e-collar that gave the dog no consent or agency, and the guardians who were not trained or educated to know how to channel their dogs predatory motor patterns in a safe and playful way.
As the second child attacked within a month, there was a trigger-stacked effect that the dog continued to sustain— high cortisol and low vagal tone, which created a negative feedback loop. Guardians putting their dog back in their yard without safe management, co-regulation, and without a 3-week cortisol vacation, was a recipe for tragedy. Lance was hospitalized in the ER with multiple deep punctures to his left arm and leg.
This post traumatic growth experience didn’t just make Lance return to baseline; it reflected development beyond previous levels of functioning. Fun Integration Theory with Coach Jeremy Russotti, taught him the fun factors associated with skills development, competitive greatness, and cognitive reappraisal. Self-Determination Theory with Coach Keith Simons, boosted his intrinsic motivation, attentive focus, and stress resilience. Great sports coaches understand sports psychology. Coach Russotti, & Coach Simons, understood the psychological principles to influence him to stay mindfully present under pressure, and to methodically manage his distractions in highly stressful situations.
If Lance wasn't active in sports training, he was interactive in play training with his siblings German Shorthaired Pointer, Mini Aussie, Beagle, Rottweiler, Pitbull, Boxers, Border Collie and English Lab. Competitive sports with great coaches, and dyadic play with great dogs, helped Lance reclaim his nervous system and innate capacity for resilience and regulation. Lance has risen to a higher level of 360 panoramic awareness, while training racing greyhounds in central Florida, and training over 25 Milo Foundation rescues in Northern California.
These positive changes experienced after his traumatic event, where he not only recovered but he fully healed. Lance emerged with a wide-angle awareness, and a spiritually transformed 3rd eye perspective. Lance's panoramic vision is that behavior issues are only the surface of the real problem. We often only pay attention to once our dog’s behavior is undesirable or problematic. The real cause of the behavior lies much deeper in our physiological states, and the dog’s micro-aggression behaviors.
Lance is an inter-species interpreter and canine social behavior expert. He has dedicated his life to understand the how and why our dogs and guardians, (including himself), behave as we do. He doesn’t look at the well-being of the dog itself, but rather the behavior of the guardians and how it can influence their own perceptions and interactions. He thoroughly studies video footage of the emotional impacts that a reactive or aggressive dog has on dog owner relationships through their nervous systems and body language reactions.
Connection Before Direction Dog Training implements psychological theories and protection motivational theories to create tailor effective interventions and successful behavioral modification outcomes. Lance uses a play-based curriculum and systematic desensitization techniques to treat trepidation in dogs and owners. He fervently focuses on interspecies cooperation and training guardians to better understand their dogs, emphasizing that changing human behavior is the most effective way to transform the dog's behavior.
IAABC INSTRUCTOR, DR. KRISTINA SPAULDING asserts, “I firmly believe that providing dogs with access to a diverse range of locations (rather than confining them solely to their homes or yards) is equally crucial for their overall well-being.”
ANIMAL TRAINING 101 PROFFESOR, DR. JENIFER ZELIGS states, “Predatory behavior will likely be seen to arise from hunger, a particular attack posture or prey behavior such as running away."
IAABC INSTRUCTOR, DR. CAMILLE WARD states, "Instead, we can attempt to expose our dogs to as many other dogs when they are young and if we pay careful attention, we will notice which ones they like best. When such preferences our mutual, opportunities for prolong canine friendships arise, and we should make the best of them,"
ANIMAL TRAINING 101 PROFFESOR, DR. JENIFER ZELIGS states, "Aggression that is motivated by fear or pain can only be addressed through careful desensitization. "
KARYN PURVIS INSITUTE OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT AT TCU. DR, PURVIS, states " It takes approximately 400 repetitions to create a new synapse in the brain, but only 10-20 repetitions when done in play.”
UCSF PROFFESSOR. AUTHOR OF STRESS PRESCRIPTION. DR, ELISSA EPEL says, “Many people also resonate with the soothing sound of rhythmic ocean waves—it affects our breathing, slowing it down and encouraging deeper breaths than the shallow and insufficiently oxygenated breathing that is our habit.”
INTERSPECIES RELATIONAL THEORY
COMMUNICATION & MOTIVATION
"Within our first session, I saw a difference and within our second session, we felt the difference. Lance showed me exactly what to do, how to do it, and the reason behind doing it. Lance broke down the components of why the behaviors are occurring. Then, he put the pieces back together, and the picture changed. He provided creative solutions and substitutions to prevent it from happening. Lance helped me calm down the behaviors in a quiet and focused environment, with minimal distractions and noises. He guided us through a tailor-made rehabilitation program that allowed my dogs to make choices and learn to manage their own reactions to triggers. Within the third session, Lance demonstrated how to take the adrenaline levels down, and keep them down, in the presence of provoking stimuli. Lance gets his clients immersed in every lesson. He encouraged me and supported my dogs every step of the way. Within the fourth session, Lance motivated me how to get my confidence flowing down loose leads, rather than my dog's anxiety traveling up tight leads. Within the fifth session, the communication was flowing the other way. Lance had me walking Sam & Colleen with no reactivity. Lance broke a vicious cycle. His delivery was at the highest level, and the transfer was finessed without force. I honestly didn't think these were the same dogs. My dogs went from reactive dogs, to thinking dogs. Now, they are like completely different dogs. It was a total transformation! Over the years, Lance has trained and desensitized several of my rescue German Shepherds, as well as my friends Vizsla in the Los Altos Hills."
Kirsten J.
MA Psychology
International Fitness Professional, Leisureesports INC
Los Gatos
"Thank you, Lance! Lola is very lucky to have you!"
Thomas T
Attorney
San Anselmo, West Marin
FULLY BOOKED WITH BEHAVIOR CONSULTS
We are fully booked with behavior consultations until November 10th. I limited the number of cases I take on at one time to ensure that every client and every dog receive the dedicated care and quality time that they deserve.
ONE-ON-ONE BEHAVIOR TRAINING: 60 MIN $175 PER SESSION
ONE-ON-ONE VINEYARD WALK & TRAIN: 60 MIN $150 PER SESSION
(Sonoma, Saint Helena, Napa areas only)
DYADIC PLAY SESSIONS & WALKS FOR MILL VALLEY & SONOMA VALLEY: 60 MIN $55-$75 PER SESSION
(3rd additional dog maybe added in group)
RANCHO SANTINO RESORT & SPA STAY: $100-125 PER DAY
(In order to qualify, behavior assessment & successful completion of training)
SINGLE VISIT CONSULTATION $150
In-home one hour behavior assessment, summery report, treatment plan within 1 week of our assessment. 30 min (in person or remote) follow up consultation and two weeks of limited email support. With a 10-year track record of success, I offer award-winning dog behavior services that you can rely on. Whether your dog is suffering with challenging behaviors, like leash frustration or more intensive issues, such as separation related and aggression, my customized training and stress resilience programs are tailored to address and resolve these challenges effectively and efficiently. Travel fees may apply. We accept Zelle, Apple Pay, "No PayPal, Venmo or checks." Payment is due at time of booking.
RECALL IS A LIFE SAVING BEHAVIOR
360-Degree Pivot Recall 180 Pivot Recall
At Connection Before Direction Dog Training, we offer advanced recall training services that strategically combines two skills--360 pivot recall and controlled pivot movement. Santino fluently comes when called and pivots, rotating his body around his front feet. Santino has exceptional body awareness and the strongest foundational behaviors. A 180 Pivot Recall is Santino switching directions in the middle of the predatory chase.
Predatory Motor Pattern & Ultimate Rocket Recall Specialist
Can you recall your dog in any environment or situation?
Can you recall your dog from wild animals or livestock?
Can you recall your dog from other dogs or puppies?
Can you recall your dog from people or children?
Can you recall your dog from skateboarders or bikers?
If not, let’s work together as a team for you to be the guardian you have always wanted to be. Enjoying walks, trails, beaches, lakes and parks and enjoying your dog anywhere and everywhere.
Everyone knows that being a guardian is never easy and you can feel helpless, anxious and even out of control. Believe it or not, you are not alone. We can break the cycle through one-on-one training from lower distractions to higher stimuli environments. It’s far easier than you think.
(415)-720-4800 Lance Santino
Windansea Beach
La Jolla, San Diego
CBDDT changes lives for guardians that have concerns about their dog's fear, frustration, and anxiety. Lance is a critical thinker with extremely fast mechanics in timing, precision, marking and reinforcing behaviors. Every time he touches a leash, he creates a solid foundation and meaningful patterns. He creates consistent and predictable positive associations through maintained pairing. Lance is one of the best in the Bay Area at using play and exploration to treat and prevent aggression and reactivity.
"MAKE A CONNECTION BEFORE YOU GIVE A DIRECTION"
"My husband and I were extremely concerned with our Australian Kelpie being off-leash and running away, until we met Lance. He changed everything!"
Eric & Carainne L
Business Developer & Teacher
Fairfax, West Marin
"Highly recommended by my friend, Shelly Camp. Lance is professional. compassionate and available. I saw instant improvements training with Lance. I used him for boarding and received wonderful pictures and daily updates."
Luxury Real Estate
Rissa B
Strawberry, Mill Valley
CONNECTION BEFORE DIRECTION DOG TRAINING, goal is to mitigate or eradicate your dog's problematic behaviors through effective and positive behavior modification techniques. Our multi-faceted approach includes positive reinforcement, enrichment, play and other scientific principles based on learning theories, applied ethology and neuroscience.
"Lance was recommended by our rescue adoption coordinator. We loved training with Lance. He was helpful in changing our puppy's confusion into clarity. Our crazy golden puppy is no longer a wild child and extra clingy. Isla's confidence has grown, and she has developed independence and social skills. Lance put Isla's separation related problems in check. He identified times during the day with a high probability of problem behaviors and worked on a habitual routine to reduce those times and to maintain reinforcers at a high value. Lance shaped positive interactions with Isla's departure anxiety. He then found us a reliable local dog walker that takes her out four days week. Jessica has released Ila's barrier frustrations through play and walks. At drop off, Lance made sure Jessica gives her a LickiMat and turns on Dog TV. Isla no longer redecorates our home. We can leave up to four hours without her having a panic attack. Thanks to Lance, and his positive and preventive techniques. It's true, when you trust the process, it works!"
Jeff H
UPS, Circle of Honor
Sebastopol
Santa Rosa
Lance is the best kept secret!! He is not on Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook, or social media. He is very private. I met him at the Bounty Hunter Wine Bar and
I found Lance so easy to talk to. He listened intently and provided effective feedback. We had repeated texts, calls, zooms and in-person lessons for two months. This made our process so personal and helpful. Lance's strategies worked every time. He created positive training environments that facilitated effective learning. He knows his ABA fundamentals and methodically mixes up his techniques. He taught me how to have great mechanical skills through movement and motivation. He loaded up my toolbox to become a "BT" in training. (: Lance is a behavior technician in everything he does. He educated me on how to read and reward Abby's relaxed body postures, soft, gentle eyes, calm, wanted behaviors with tasty treats and cheerful praise. I was a cheerleader in college; I can still rock a cadence and toe touch. Haha! Beyond my vocal and mechanical skills, we added several foundational skills and made several behavioral adjustments. He helped us build joint attention and confidence without feeling overwhelmed. From far and moderate distance to close proximity, he changed our emotional responses. He coached us how to think differently. move differently to feel differently. We couldn't have attained this optimal co-regulation state without CBDDT education. He instructed us on how to apply the bubble theory and learning theory in every interaction. Lance exhibited individual dexterity and adroitness in executing how to stay within Abby's personal space and comfort zone. He made sure new behaviors were sticking and I clearly understood the core principles of reinforcement, prompting, shaping, chaining and generalization. Abby and I took breaks to prevent frustrations. We changed up our reward systems to motivate wanted behaviors. Higher rates of reinforcement is a game changer through sudden environmental contrast. Lance encouraged patience and we celebrated small wins. We mindfully moved Abby's threshold and ensured triggers (e.g., other dogs and skateboarders) remained in the green zone. We stayed composed, quickly paired and quickly reloaded in stressful scenarios with something more delicious and desirable. Abby and I built paranoic awareness and bubble awareness through practicing Lance's stop-and-wait and approach-and-retreat exercises. Lance has a wonderful way with high wired dogs and their peeps. Abby no longer lunges and barks at dogs and skateboarders anymore. We enjoy our walks together. I can now take Abby to cafe's, bars, restaurants, markets, and our local parks. Several of my neighbors and friends have already complimented me for her change in behavior. If you're thinking about training your reactive dog, don't hesitate to go with Lance. He is really good at alleviating discomfort and creating environments that provide optimal animal welfare,"
Megan E
Napa Valley
CREATING CLARITY BETWEEN DOGS & HUMANS
I was starting to feel hopeless with our new rescue puppy. We couldn't quite figure it out. He seemed to always be having digestive problems. The grumpiness towards everyone in the house started more recently. Our new veterinarian explained that gastrointestinal issues and stress colitis can lead to increased reactivity, excessive licking and withdraw. Dogs that are sick can show changes on a behavioral side.
Our veterinarian and her vet-tech both recommended Lance Santino, in Sonoma. Lance and my vet took a holistic approach to target illness and behavior. The Vet recommended changing kibble to a fresh diet. She prescribed Metronidazole to remedy the chronic gastric issue.
Lance gave me expert insight into my dog's emotional world. He described, "When any puppy's protective emotional system is overly activated, overly aroused, overly protective, overly attached, it's what leads to hormonal stress and gastrointestinal issues every time. Constant construction projects and recent renovations can interrupt and disrupt any puppy's sleep patterns."
We worked together virtually, in-person and combination of both. He worked with my girlfriend and assistant, and they said, "Lance, really helped us understand how our thoughts and emotions influence our dogs' thoughts and emotions and how our dogs perceive it and smell it. I couldn't agree more with (Clarke & Loftus) research that dog owner's psychological characteristics predict dog behavior traits."
Lance cleverly set up our environments and created positive associations with the "Antecedent Iceberg"-- men in hats with stiff movement, male cyclist wheezing by and highly energetic reactive dogs. He worked with us on defensive handling techniques and reinforcing calm behaviors with proper pairing and reward placement. Lance showed us how to deliver the mini meatballs skillfully within a second or two of voluntary sits and check-ins.
In downtown Napa, we showed Lance how to communicate the appropriate emotional association through consistently getting the calmness flowing down the leash. Lance's shared protocol approach helped us better manage our inner coherence around difficult distractions. My puppy quickly sensed our authentic relaxation and felt our nervous system syncing right down the leash and back up.
During harvest season, we showed Lance how we calmy created distance and how we use environmental blockage to prevent threatening situations. We showed him how we practiced and developed fast delivery treat speed with preemptively paired and trained behaviors, such as, arch-bys, u-turns, quarter-turns and call-to-fronts in various situations on trafficked sidewalks. Through predictable associations our pup started to anticipate triggered events and offered desirable behaviors.
Lance monitored our progress closely and adapted our sessions to achieve successful outcomes. He knew how to tweak and adjust his methods accordingly. Lance is a skillful troubleshooter. He helped us understand what was happening before the behaviors transpired and gave us the practical skills to solve the problems. We were all thrilled by the progress. Lances followed up emails were an additional help."
Entertainment Industry
Ryan. S
Napa Valley
"Lance Santino of Connection Before Direction Dog Training has been instrumental in bringing out the best in Bella, my 7 year old, high energy Border Collie-Shepherd Mix. Bella gets picked up 3 days a week and loves being part of his small groups (1-3) for the past 6 years. Give him a call to express your immediate needs. Highly recommended."
Serena M
Fashion Industry
Mill Valley
BEHAVIOR MOD CASES
PLAY BUILDS RESILENCE
In 2012, we were the first hybrid program in the SF Bay Area to use play and foundational training to treat and channel predatory and aggressive behaviors for rescue dogs from the Milo Foundation. From San Rafael to Richmond, we have saved and curved arousal on many rescue puppies from the neonatal to adult phases that were on death-row.
WORKING BELOW RABI'S THRESHOLD
Oakland French Brittany is no longer on high alert. Rabi is starting to feel secure in the presence of other dogs. Calm becomes a byproduct of safety. Rabi's breath deepens and muscles are relaxed. Rabi's brain no longer has to spinout and repeats. Slow thinking helps avoid fast twitched decisions. Rabi is generously rewarded and praised for coping and cooperation at the exact time.
TWO POWERFUL TOOLS IN MY TOOLBOX
TWO POWERFUL TOOLS IN MY TOOLBOX
Systematic Desensitization paired with Classical Conditioning. Unfamiliar dogs are introduced at a pace Brice can handle, and good things can happen. We are gradually getting closer to new dogs and building higher levels of trust and optimism to overcome fear and insecurities.
MAKE A CONNECTION BEFORE YOU GIVE A DIRECTION
"Lance is a play expert. He has incredible anticipation and excellent play recognition. I have used his services for training, socialization and boarding. Additionally, my parents used his services for over six years."
M.D. Melissa P
Belvedere, Tiburon
"I have seen a marked improvement in Daisy & Butters happiness, health and weight. They can't wait to go out with Lance - grabbing the leashes and ready to go! My Labs have also stayed with him overnight and get treated like dog royalty with tempur-pedic beds and beach runs!"
Jena W
Attorney, SF
Belvedere, Tiburon
"Luna was so excited about her playdates. She was so happy after spending time with you and her friends."
M.D. Julie W
Dermatologist, Bon Air Center
Belvedere, Tiburon
"My Boxer used to go bananas. Brody would maul any guest that would walk through our front door, even our own son. He started climbing over our six-foot fence. It got to a point that his safety was in jeopardy. We called up Lance, and he came over and set everyone up for success. He made me feel comfortable and put Brody at ease. Lance listened to my concerns and made great suggestions. This is what separates him from others. He gets people and knows that the dog can only succeed, if everyone is on the same page and follows the treatment plan. Lance provides specific recommendations and a solid plan of action, to help Brody relax and settle. A lot of dogs didn't respond well to his boundless energy on walks. It was a bit difficult to socialize him. With the right advice and safe introductions, Brody became a more adaptive dog. Brody really shined through his training cues and play partners. His new white Boxer friend, named Lyla, became his BFF. When my husband became hospitalized with a life-threatening health condition, Lyla hosted Brody at The Resort. Lance is professional, patient, and kind. He gives so much of himself and time to dogs and their owners. I couldn't recommend him enough."
Real Estate Agent
San Marin, Novato
Sandra O
FOUNDER OF ROCKET RECALL TRAINING SCHOOL & PLAY PALS PROGRAM,
(RRTS & PPP) specializes in advanced fundamentals, polite social play and vigorous and safe exercise for dogs from Mill Valley to Sonoma Valley. Qualified, clinical, experienced, and effective behavior support.
"My veterinarian strongly suggested to reach out to Lance with CBDDT.
Lance teaches you how to train your dog with positive reinforcement. The trainings are great for learning the basic fundamentals. Lance's small group program with one other dog helped socialize my shy Ridgeback. Lance is the most friendly and approachable trainer. Roc and I are so happy that we found him."
RN Carole C
Traveling Nurse
Marin General Hospital
Greenbrae, CA
Chattanooga, TN
"MAKE A CONNECTION BEFORE YOU GIVE A DIRECTION"
"Without Lance's professional guidance, it's very unlikely that I would still have my Pit Bull Great Dane Rescue."
Nathan M
Software Engineer
Sausalito
"I have been a foster mom for over 100 homeless rescues. I've connected with many dog experts in Northern California. One expert that has been an extremely valuable resource is Lance. He collaborates with new fosters and adopters in Marin and Solano Counties. He is quite simply, as good as it gets. He has a natural affinity with dogs who have well-being issues. He is a stress resilience expert. He specializes in socializing shy dogs with fear memories. He is gifted in overcoming trauma and building sociability in dogs from puppy mills, backyard breeders, animal hoarding, shelters, and rescues. What I love about Lance is that he doesn't get caught up in the labels of behavior, and he doesn’t apply breed-based stereotypes. He never blames the dog or shoots the messenger. Lance has great instincts, and he is a master at reading a dog's body language. He embraces the present moment with a non-judgmental acceptance. Lance understands that most unwanted behaviors are rooted in insecurities and unmet needs. He uses compassionate listening and genuine altruism to help new fosters and potential adopters. He doesn't take things personally. He genuinely cares about dogs and owners' welfare. It's evident in his patience and practice. That's why I think dogs respond to him so well. Lance is great at explaining things and breaking down human and dog behaviors. He is great at making the sessions fun. Lance uses a play-based approach to deepen dog owner relationships. For over four years, Lance has helped me match homeless dogs with suitable homes and stable families. He has assisted me in providing the best placements. As a result, we have worked together to create long lasting adoptions."
Betty F
Novato
Los Altos, Rocklin, SF
Property Flipper & Broker
Kids Animal Rescue Fund
"Lance's expertise drastically reduced my dogs fear and anxiety. Finance Executive, Pacific Heights, SF." Alton I
"Amazing session with Lance today. He has amazing skills in working with dogs with leash reactivity. A+" Becky G. Calistoga, Fine Wine Industry
SERVICES OFFERED:
Aggressive Behaviors
Reactive Behaviors
Separation Related Behaviors
Relaxation Behaviors
Foundation Behaviors
Canine Social Behaviors
Play Behaviors
Greeting Behaviors
"MAKE A CONNECTION BEFORE YOU GIVE A DIRECTION"
"We definitely lucked out finding Lance. He used a multifaceted approach to shift our puppy's attention and to ameliorate Max's misbehaviors. Lance used play-based intervention and reward-based learning to teach Max incompatible behaviors and to make good choices a habit. Instead of Max barking or nipping at guests, he now gets us his ne
"We definitely lucked out finding Lance. He used a multifaceted approach to shift our puppy's attention and to ameliorate Max's misbehaviors. Lance used play-based intervention and reward-based learning to teach Max incompatible behaviors and to make good choices a habit. Instead of Max barking or nipping at guests, he now gets us his new squeaky toys or tug ropes for us and all of our guests. Lance said, "Max is so smart in picking out the best distractors and engaging everyone in play. After tug or toy games, we want to redirect his attention with a frozen Kong or treat scatters, until Max becomes familiar with the unfamiliar." Lance taught us that during the puppy's teething phase, we want to consistently substitute the undesirable behaviors with desirable behaviors. Using play and rewards helps Max generalize faster with stranger danger. The acts of chewing and licking is soothing to an excited puppy; it has a fun and fast-calming effect. The combination of both helps make stimuli less salient and helps him regulate his arousal levels in a safe and predictable way. Lance’s ethical alternatives helped us entertain our puppy and guest with patterns of positive experiences. We no longer have to stress about Max and our guests. Its less worry and foreseeable. Max predictably associates' guests with a rainfall of reward games. It was a lot easier than I thought. Lance has proved to be the most successful at solving our issues. We have been so impressed with his methods and results."
Sonoma
Napa
Sergio D
Luxury Real Estate
"Lance is fantastic. He has trained both of my Labradors, Beckett & Macklin. Best money I have ever spent!"
Katie C
Senior Project Manager
Webcor
East & North Bay
1-SECOND LATENCY IS A ROCKET RECALL!
"Lance, you are the Whippet Whisperer! Your beautiful photos of Lupe, bring me so much peace and comfort, especially with what I am going through right now."
Susan P
Owner
Sofia Jewelry
Mill Valley, Fairfax
"Having a reactive dog has made neighborhood walks quite stressful. Having worked with Lance, Darby no longer sees dogs as a threat. The difference is quate remarkable."
Joann C
Founder of Limited Editions West Gallery, SF
San Rafael
RANCHO SANTINO
"PLAY GURU"
Puppy and doggy development shaper and generalizer through successive approximations from lower to higher distracting environments. CBDDT understands the stages of puppy development and how it can affect adult and problem behaviors, if the dog is not thoroughly assessed and trained in foundation behaviors and counter conditione
"PLAY GURU"
Puppy and doggy development shaper and generalizer through successive approximations from lower to higher distracting environments. CBDDT understands the stages of puppy development and how it can affect adult and problem behaviors, if the dog is not thoroughly assessed and trained in foundation behaviors and counter conditioned in a step-by-step process. This elite and customized play program of only 2-3 dogs per group, puts the highest emphasis on the importance of safe and fun social relationships from the dogs and scientific perspectives. CBDDT are the only off leash program that accurately interprets body language and body mechanics. We preemptively link body language and movement with the dog's emotional states and communication systems from social play to greeting behaviors
""SONOMA'S EXCLUSIVE RANCHO SANTINO RETREAT & SPA"
Is your dog on our VIP play list. Monthly membership criteria, which may include invitation-only. For over thirteen years, we are the most exclusive private play program in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Luxury VIP access to Sonoma's Exclusive Rancho Santino Retreat & Spa is available for dog
""SONOMA'S EXCLUSIVE RANCHO SANTINO RETREAT & SPA"
Is your dog on our VIP play list. Monthly membership criteria, which may include invitation-only. For over thirteen years, we are the most exclusive private play program in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Luxury VIP access to Sonoma's Exclusive Rancho Santino Retreat & Spa is available for dogs that are temperament tested, individually trained and enrolled into our private play program. Due to safety reasons, we are known to have an air-tight screening process with our behavior assessor. To our existing members, we offer a private dog water park on a fenced in acre, for dogs to run, play and swim.
THE RANCH provides a unique blend of excitement and relaxation. We offer fully air-conditioned premium suites with clean and cooling tempurpedic and memory foam dog beds, dog TV and Lisa Spector's Chopin calming music. Upgrades to our presidential suites are limited but it includes room service with your dog's own bone both beverages, bro
THE RANCH provides a unique blend of excitement and relaxation. We offer fully air-conditioned premium suites with clean and cooling tempurpedic and memory foam dog beds, dog TV and Lisa Spector's Chopin calming music. Upgrades to our presidential suites are limited but it includes room service with your dog's own bone both beverages, brothcicles, frozen stuffed kong's and frozen pooch creamery.
Our canine social behavior experts, build the strongest reinforcement history with your dog. On the other paw, our dogs build the strongest reinforcement histories with each other. Being a polite play partner helps enable our dogs to feel secure and develop independence.
HELP THE OWNER, HELP THE DOG
Jack chewed through drywall in our homes in Las Vegas and Tiburon. It wasn’t soon enough that he escaped through our window chasing a squirrel. I received a call from a woman in Strawberry that spotted him swimming across Richardson Bay. Miraculously, she caught him before animal control. The officer offered a resource list of local dog professionals. It was obvious that Jack was not going to outgrow these problems. I thought we would benefit from an ethical and force free intervention. We tried everything from shock collars, vibration collars, beep collars, citronella collars and prong-collars. Aversive tools broke Jacks trust and his ability to work with me. I was ridden with guilt in sending him away to a board and train that operated behind closed doors and lacked my involvement. That was a fatal mistake on my part.
Lance was my last hope, and his dog savvy suggestions were spot on. He first advised us to have Jack evaluated by Dr. Sung to make sure he didn’t ingest any of the material in the drywall. Our veterinarian concluded there was no nutritional deficiencies and medical issues. Lance requested a vet release, video footages to figure out the reason why Jack was behaving this way. Lance set up a behavioral assessment questionnaire that measured 14 behavioral traits and problem behaviors, including the subscales of aggression and escape. This comprehensive evaluation included stranger, owner, dog directed aggression, escape, separation, attachment, chasing, excitability and touch sensitivity.
Lance asked questions, listened carefully and responded thoughtfully. He opened my eyes to concepts in a way that resonated with me. I was literally at my wits-end and could no longer handle Jack snapping at dogs and snapping back at me. I was so embarrassed of my dog’s behavior in public. He had an abnormally elevated intensity that I have never seen in dogs.
Lance taught me how to walk Jack with coherence and not control. He worked with us on the reciprocal dance of co-regulation and strategies that anticipated situations that triggered his aggression. Jack doesn't need me to be perfect; he needs me to be present. Lance trained us on how to inhale and exhale together to create emotional flow and autonomic intimacy. Achieving these interconnected states through deep breathing helped us feel safe and stay committed to the present moment—without getting caught up in the external and internal distractions.
I learned that training should never fight Jacks natural instincts, it should be mindfully partnered with it. Lance exposed Jack to stimuli in small, controlled increments with successive approximations. He slowly worked up the anxiety hierarchy to condition relaxed responses. Jack first learned not to react to the least increasing triggers before the most increasing triggers. Lance monitored us until the temporal contiguity was closely timed with the behavior and consequence. Once Jack linked the two effectively, Lance added his trainer dog, and we started conditioning stronger associations. This was the first time I matched Jacks rhythms and mirrored his state of relaxation in the present of a calmer dog. This was an immense breakthrough and the most powerful shift without force.
With Lance’s professional guidance, I learned to recognize and squash cognitive distortions that were driving my stress downward. This brought me peace of mind, and trust back into our relationship. Jack learned to defer to me and remain resilient on walks. Lance helped us build life skills for greater awareness and coping skills to navigate stressful situations. He arranged the environments in such a way to promote a particular outcome.
Lance recommended us to purchase a huge pen for our living room and he showed us how to wean it off within a month. We provided Jack with the proper chew items, licki mats, food puzzles, and frozen kongs to satisfy his needs in our absence. We added additional alternatives, such as classical music and a speeds high velocity tilting pedestal fan to block window of my neighbors' barking dog. Lance is highly skilled in solving a serious case of redirected aggression. Highly, highly recommended!
Justin D
Tiburon
Las Vegas
Financial Advisor
FIRST DAY OF ADOPTION, SAN JOSE, CA
My Flashy Fawn Boxer, Santino Marco, either escaped or he was abandoned on the streets of San Bernardino, California. He was malnourished with bones protruding out of his body. He had a missing canine tooth, and numerous scars from punctures, all over his body and face. This was the result of him being a bait dog in a fighting ring. He was taken to an animal hospital in critical condition and then to Devore animal shelter —a shelter with very limited resources that has the highest kill rate. Within a week, Santino was immediately interjected and proactively picked up by legendary rescue guru, Jackie Snell, and her life saving organization that she founded that has helped saved the lives of thousands and thousands of homeless dogs —West Coast Boxer Rescue. Over 250 inquires and applications were submitted to adopt “Luis”, who is now named Santino. His back story was extremely profound and thought provoking. His sweet face and disposition, despite his neonatal, transitional, socialization and testing periods of developmental adversities, was awe inspiring. My proactive training programs put us at the top of the list, just like when we adopted his little sister, a young white boxer that actually was homeless on streets of Lancaster, California for weeks.
Santino’s intervention and behavior support plan, included the what and when’s, management, and prevention, pairing and substituting, engaging and disengaging. Adjustments were made when needed. We aligned his environments for desirable behavior outcomes. Systematic desensitization (CC/DS) is hard work. We can’t be lackadaisical. Any mistakes we made became discoveries. We used our errors to proceed forward with better awareness. Smaller steps were more transformative. We never blame the messenger, which leads to outdated dominant theory strategies. That only suppresses behavior, not changes behavior. Instead, we used learning theories strategies to mitigate, shape and strengthen behaviors. When we changed the context and environment, we changed conditions and behavior. The difference between a confused dog and a thinking dog.
Through Santino’s predictable routine of mental enrichment, reciprocal greetings, appropriate play, and a habitual routine of diet and nutrition, foundations and behavior modification, Santino, climatized and generalized to his new surroundings from nor-cal to so-cal and back. When we went on airplanes, he went on airplanes. When we went to resorts, he went to resorts. When we asked for upgrades, it was because of Santino’s elegance and grace. Don’t get me wrong, we could have left him with a frozen kong and bumping Lisa Spector. When we went to dinner, he went to dinner. When we went to breakfast, he went to breakfast. When we sat poolside, he sat poolside. His confidence, calmness, and charm is on a whole another level. He is trusted and he is able to make choices, and he has liberties to do whatever he wants. This was the reflection of receiving early and appropriate socialization to dogs, animals, people and children. At his pace, not ours. He is not only a well acclimated and well-adjusted dog, but he is a well-trained and well- behaved dog.
I will always believe that pro-active dog owners are better able to assess and redesign the environments for their dogs to successfully adapt, make choices and problem solve with the highest percentage of success. During his early stages of adolescence at around 9, 10 months, Santino started overcoming his shyness and fear and building stress resilience and social confidence. It’s disrespectful to ever to put a leash on him but he respects leash laws. He has been to every beach from the SF Bay Area to San Diego, and all throughout Orange County. Surf & Sand Resort upgraded us many of times. Anything he touches, people, kids, animals or dogs he makes it better. His healing power is truly magical and one-of-a-kind.
At 12 yrs old, he runs my play program as you see in the videos and pictures. He receives cold laser, legend, Adequan, physical therapy, sniffari walks and off leash play. I also ice his osteo hock joint on both sides of his ankle after every play session, no matter our location. Santino has given so much to the world and his surroundings. When he was 1 1/2 yrs old, he did volunteer work and animal therapy at a def children’s school in San Diego. For the last 11 years he has been used as my “trainer dog” with all new dogs in my one-on-one and dyadic play programs from Saint Helena to Half Moon Bay. He is the COO of my rocket recall training school program.
"MAKE A CONNECTION BEFORE YOU GIVE A DIRECTION"
"Daisy took immediately to Lance and his elite canine regimen. I have seen a dramatic difference in her overall disposition since she started training with him."
Whitney P
First Degree Blackbelt Instructor, Winery Owner
SF Clay Park, Calistoga
"Lifesaver!! Lance's training is tailored to dogs with complex issues. He used play behaviors to combat reactive behaviors. Lance is clever and passionately dog centered. He used a client centered interviewing and collaborative approach in our initial assessment. Lance is empathetic but yet realistic about what stretches dog owners can manage. He has great insights and analysis. He's a master of preventive maintenance and he has a knack for problem solving. Lance taught me new ways to interact with Hurley through play training and response substitution strategies. He has been a huge asset that has made me more confident in understanding my girl. "
Fairfax, West Marin
M.S. Psychology, Christina G.
"Lance is amazing! His knowledge of dogs is outstanding. He is professional and easy to deal with. Flexable when I need him to be. Always communicative."
Julie C
Fashion Designer
Tiburon, New York
"Lance was recommended by Dr. Mary Pess. at Twin Cities Veterinary Hospital. Lance has visited our homes in Belvedere and Saint Helena. Lance worked wonders with our puppy boxer, Rose. At times he brought his boxer, Santino for puppy socialization. We have recommended Lance's services to several of our friends in Sausalito and Pacific Heights."
John H
Commerical Real Estate
Belvedere
Saint Helena
"I highly recommend Lance. He provides high quality science-based training and the best play sessions for our Pit Bull, Koa! He is consistent, prompt and absolutely wonderful to work with."
LMFT Paulina S
Psychotherapist
Marin County
Pahoa, Hawaii
"These pics are Amazing. You make her so happy...it almost brings tears to my eyes. Words cannot express how grateful I am. She's a really calm dog and I know its so much about you and her pack...Very much appreciative of your professionalism, devotion and care."
Dr. Julie H
Child Psychologist
Corte Madera
STRENGTHENING HUMAN-ANIMAL BONDS
Lance is so good! Fast results and noticeable change within our first training session. Maverick learned quickly as he guided me on how to work with him. He gave me incredible info to get into the mind of Malinois, which also included my neighbors that is leash reactive. His knowledge he shared was top notch. My only regret is not coming to Lance sooner. Every three months, I call him for a refresher. Only because my dog loves him and he is so good!
Danielle A
Wine Industry
Napa Valley
I received a lot of encouragement from Lance. In only 5 sessions with him (which I really enjoyed, he had an open ear and asked really good questions.) He had valuable insight into my dog’s perspective. He was the first person that helped me gain clarity into what was driving my Beagles behaviors. We had an open dialogue and support between our time together. It’s very evident that there were thoughtful preparations that had gone into my sessions. He taught me a lot in a short period of time. Now I can forward that knowledge.
Shelley O
Wealth Management
San Francisco